SUMMERSIDE — In 2017 Lee Dodson retired to Summerside only to quickly discover that having so much time on his hands was not all it’s cracked up to be.
He decided to put his skills, having previously worked in the commercial drone industry, to good use by starting his own company, Skygate. He launched the business in January, offering a variety of services using unmanned aerial vehicles.
But being new to the community in addition to the local business ecosystem meant Dodson was looking for opportunities to network and get his name out there.
He was quickly put in touch with the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and opted to participate in that organization’s upcoming Choose Summerside event.
“It seemed like an ideal opportunity to meet people and meet local business and interact with the kind of people I’d like to offer my services to,” said Dodson.
Choose Summerside is slated for May 12 at Credit Union Place, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is the second year for the event, which is presented by the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Summerside and sponsored by Township Chevrolet.
Choose Summerside is the spiritual successor of the long-running Summerside Showcase event, which stopped operating several years ago. It’s envisioned as an exhibition of local businesses, services and attractions.
Vikki Lyttle, program and events co-ordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s event is hoping to build on the success of 2017.
There are 60 vendors who have committed to attend, and they might be able to squeeze in a couple more if there is any late-to-the-party interest, she said.
To date, 70 booths have been sold. Some will have items for sale in addition to showing off their wares and services.
There will also be a scavenger hunt and colouring books with images from around Summerside for kids.
It’s all about showing some local pride and making a statement that success, however you measure it, is possible in Summerside, said Lyttle.
“We want to showcase what Summerside has to offer. Why people should stay in and choose Summerside.”
@JournalPMacLean
